Saintfield gets set for 17th Santa ride
Christmas Charity Ride launched in style at Rowallane Gardens
The 17th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride was launched in style in the magnificent grounds of Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield, kindly hosted by The National Trust. Some of the guests who attended were well-known faces from across the equestrian community.
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Joan Cunningham, founder and organiser of this spectacular Christmas Extravaganza, which would probably be the largest Equestrian Charity Event in Ireland, is thrilled that the ride has now raised tens of thousands of pounds over the past 16 years.
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Joan said: “It originally started in 2007 to help raise funds for Ugandan orphans, whose parents had either died from Aids or had been murdered. Rock Ministries NI Trust brought the Mwamba Children's Choir, made up of Ugandan orphans, to Saintfield in both 2007 and again in 2009. They sang and danced in the middle of Saintfield Town and won the hearts of everyone who was at the Santa Ride on both occasions. Although Rock Ministries retired about three years ago, one of the members of the Mwamba Choir, Pius Kulama, who was only a child in 2007, is determined to help his people in the village where he was born by creating a model village, where their lives will be transformed giving them a much better and fulfilling life and we at the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride are determined to help him in every way we can to fulfil his dream.”
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The 2023 Saintfield Christmas Charity Santa Ride will be held on Saturday, December 2 and will commence with all the Santas arriving at Andrews Yard, 50 Lisburn Road, Saintfield for a mulled wine and mince pie reception. Christmas music will fill the air and everyone will know Christmas has arrived once more.
At 12 noon, the Santas will mount their horses and head off up the Old Belfast Road. The full route the ride will be taking will be published soon.
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The "Real Santa" will be transported in Angelo Kane's magnificent horse-drawn carriage. Meantime, in Saintfield Town, Ulster Radio's Hugo Duncan, Box Car Brian and Gerard Dornan will be entertaining the crowds of well-wishers lining the street waiting for the arrival of "The Main Man Himself", SANTA, at approximately 1.15pm.
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Santa's carriage will appear over Todds Hill in Saintfield, followed by his multitude of Santas on horseback to the absolute delight of everyone, especially the children who will be overwhelmed with excitement. At the Christmas Tree in the middle of the town, Santa will alight from his carriage to meet and greet everyone.
Uncle Hugo and team will keep the craic mighty.
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Eventually, the ride will move on and arrive back at Andrews Yard. There will be spot prizes awarded to the best dressed Santas on horseback on the Main Street. The prizes will be awarded by a celebrity judge.
A map of the route will be published shortly. The ride is approx. four miles long, but small children being led can join in on the Windmill Road.
Entries can now be made online at www.saintfieldhorseshow/charityride or click on the link on the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Facebook. The cost of the ride will be £20 Adults and £10 children, which includes the mulled wine and mince pie reception. Enquiries to Joan Cunningham on 07775 860744 or email: joancunningham1@gmail.com